Energy Efficient Storage – The Munters Way
Materials are damaged when exposed to high Relative Humidity. Most materials will be preserved and unaffected bat humidity levels below 50% RH. The only reliable protection, irrespective of weather conditions, is dry air produced by a desiccant dehumidifier.
Dehumidification Vs. heating
Heating is a common method for trying to control the Relative Humidity. Temperature has no impact on the quality of materials (except for some liquids) and as the Relative Humidity in a heated store will fluctuate between 20-70% RH depending on the outdoor conditions, this method is both ineffective and costly.
The energy cost for heating a store will typically be at least twice the cost compared to dehumidification. Keeping in mind that the stored materials in the heated store will not even be efficiently protected, heating ends up being a costly, ineffective method.
In a dehumidified store the Relative Humidity can be controlled and constant throughout the year – completely independent of the outdoor conditions. Heating can be reduced or closed down, the stored materials will keep their high quality, meaning less waste/loss.
All materials have their “comfort zones” in which their properties are unaffected, securing a high quality and longer shelf life. When exposed to too high Relative Humidity the material will absorb the moisture in the ambient air, or suffer under condensation related problems.
Mould, mildew, insects (70% RH)
At humidity levels above 70% RH mould, mildew and fungus experience optimal conditions for multiplying. This affects substances such as food, grain, fabrics, wood, paper etc.
Softening of packaging (55% RH)
Cardboard packaging absorbs moisture and starts to soften at 55% RH resulting in collapsing boxes.
Bacterial growth (40% RH)
Storing food or raw materials means high hygiene demands. Most manufacturers require humidity levels below 40% RH to avoid bacterial growth.
Contact corrosion on electronics (40% RH)
Electronic components are extremely sensitive to microscopic-level corrosion. Small amounts of corrosion create disappointingly large problems and a humidity level below 40% RH prevents electronic failures and extends component life.
Degradation of film (20% RH)
Storing nitrate films requires conditions at 20-30% RH to avoid decomposition.
The Munters Principle
Air is blown through the rotor (drying wheel) structure and the humidity in the air is absorbed by the hygroscopic desiccant silica gel. The air leaves the rotor as dry air.
In a separate sector hot (reactivation) air is blown through the rotor to remove the accumulated moisture. The resulting wet air (which contains the removed moisture) is blown away outside.
The system works without Freon, without compressors – just environmentally friendly simple magic ….
Munters unique patented PowerPurge technology further optimises energy savings as a result of the continuous refinements of our rotor technology.
T: 08708 505 202
E: dryair@munters.co.uk
